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It was a quick invocation, one you probably missed during Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Selma yesterday. Standing at the place where segregationist and civil rights police clashed in 1965, the First Black Woman to Serve as Vice President made an interesting parallel between American icons and their struggles for rights. Ukrainians fighting for their country’s survivalAgainst an invading Russian army
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“Today, the eyes of the world are on Ukraine and the brave people who are fighting to protect their country and their democracy. And their bravery is a reminder that freedom and democracy can never be taken for granted,” Harris said, taking a pause here. “By any of us.”
This intro lasted less than one minute. She provided context and a foundation for the speeches that would follow. As you listened to the speech about voting rights and heroes of civil rights, it was difficult not to think about Ukraine. Harris is an impressive political talent at her best. This speech was nuanced and subtle.
The resonance of the battles spread across Ukraine and the domestic political fight against laws designed to restrict voting rights is one that requires a deft touch, one that Harris’ background lends her. Only a handful of biographies can give you more credibility in politics. Hillary Clinton spoke about women’s rights, she didn’t have a credibility hurdle to overcome. John McCain stood firm and consistent when he spoke out ForThe world heard the tortured prisoners and listened as the ex-prisoner of war was being held. Gabby Giffords was with Mark Kelly Speak about gun violence, it’s impossible to discount them.
It’s the unfinished. ArbeitHarris also holds a high standing in civil rights advocacy. Harris faced the unfinished work in protecting voting rights in America during her remaining speech. Harris could be seen just behind the Edmund Pettus bridge. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court. guttedThe law was passed several months after Selma’s original march. It argued that Black voter protections were not needed in states where there had been a history of discrimination. State legislatures have worked diligently to increase the difficulty of accessing ballots in recent years.
Harris’ rhetoric on voting rights was in tandem with the events unfolding in Ukraine. “At this moment, we are faced with a choice, a choice that we have faced many times before: Do we stand or do we fight? Gathered at this bridge, reflecting on its history, yes, I know the path forward is clear,” she said.
Like Selma, this fight for Ukraine galvanized an entire nation We were stunned by these imagesIt is from the field. There’s part of our minds that reacts the same way when confronted with such brutality, whether it is a Black activist being beaten by a police officer or a mother marching across a muddy field fleeing assured violence. It’s easy to see the situation is wrong and there is something in the American gut demanding a remedy.
That’s why back in Washington, this week is going to see increasing pressure on the Administration to take more aggressive action. No-fly zone ZoneIt seems that almost everyone supports it. no oneJoe Manchin is the only person in power at the moment, and it’s possible that there could be a trio of parties. SwapThe possibility of sending Polish warplanes into Ukraine, with the promise that American replacements will be available to fill in for them, could exacerbate the situation. RequestsThe idea of banning the importation of Russian oil seems to be almost impossible fait accompli There is an increasing understanding of the importance of this topic. It is notWall Street companies will lose their bottom lines if they stop doing business with Russia. Banks, financial InstitutionsYou can even get it! Netflix have all cut off Russian customers in an effort to show them that their government’s belligerence against Ukraine is going to cost them.
However, Russia is very concerned about Ukraine’s ability to hold on for so long. It is impossible to ignore the power dynamics. Resistance eventually reaches its limit and perseverance becomes the challenge. For example, in Selma the marchers had to be turned twice before they were able to cross the bridge under the protection of nearly 2,000 National Guardsmen. Ukraine is a country with similar resolve, however, they lack partners who are willing to help them on the ground.
Harris raised the bell for everyone who heard it in Selma. She was making a comparison between the people who marched in Selma to those who are fighting in Kyiv in her own unique way. To Black voters SkepticismIn the context of war, it was an argument in favor intervention. IntersectionalityPolitics. Harris Caps to Poland and Romania this week for talks, world leaders should watch her remarks in Alabama for a clue about what she’s advising President Joe Biden. Selma understands what’s at stake and Harris should be listened to by European leaders.
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